Former police officer appears in court

October 30, 2012

A former Bloomville police officer accused of stealing copper and other recyclable materials from the village appeared in court Monday for a bench trial.

William R. Laugherty, 28, who was indicted earlier this year on two counts of theft in office, a fifth-degree felony, now awaits the announcement of the verdict, which will be handed down by Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Kelbley.

Laugherty was discharged from the force after video surveillance allegedly recorded him stealing copper and other recyclable materials from the village garage.

According to Laugherty's indictment, the incidents occurred between June 23 and Nov. 3 in a continuing course of conduct and he "used his office in aid of committing the offense."